As expected, Comcast is kicking off the rollout of its new X1 (previously beta tested under the name Xcalibur) DVR platform. The announcement was made at the Cable Show in Boston, and that's where it will be available first, some time in "the coming weeks" with a few other major markets following soon after. We've had a few peeks at the new UI over the last year or so but now we have a full gallery of shots of both the DVR software and accompanying X1 remote app that will be available first on the iPhone. The new guide looks very similar to the existing Xfinity TV remote apps for phones and tablets, formatted for HD screens and with support for recommendations from your social network and support for apps like weather, TV, traffic, Facebook and Pandora to start. The new set-top boxes it runs on have built-in tru2way and internet support, as well as RF remotes instead of IR.
Meanwhile, the X1 remote control app adds motion and gesture control to the current set of features, as well as more direct interaction with what's on screen, since it can be used to swipe through pages, type into menus and pause currently video with a shake. As far as pricing, Comcast says it will be available to new Triple Play customers with HD/DVR service at no additional cost -- no word yet on what that means for everyone else. Check the gallery below for a look at the new software, and check the press release after the break for more info.
Update: Check out a video of CEO Neil Smit demonstrating the new UI on the show floor after the break.
Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/comcast-x1-dvr-iphone-app-launch/
At least Comcast subscribers with the most expensive plan can enjoy the new technology, but it is unfortunate that they decided to keep the hard specs on the receiver to themselves. Now we might never know how many hours of HD programs it can hold, or exactly how many shows can record at once. It is loaded with apps though, including traffic, Facebook and Pandora, so that is a bonus. I am a big fan of Pandora, ever since it got added to the Hopper I listen to it at least thee times a week. Working at Dish I love being able to keep up on new tech from across the industry, it is a big help being able to talk to customers about the actual equipment as well as the service. I don’t believe the X1 will have anything as cool as the Primetime Anytime feature that I have, it records every primetime show and gives me access to watch them for 8 days after airing.
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